Odds are, many of us involved professionally in agriculture had some type of ag job growing up. Maybe you hauled hay on your ranch or your neighbors’. Perhaps you cowboy’d in the summers and on weekends for extra cash. If your family farmed, you most definitely spent some time inside a tractor as soon as you were old enough to see over the steering wheel.

But if the Department of Labor (DOL) has their way, those days spent helping, learning and contributing to an agribusiness will come to an end for many teenagers. The Fair Labor Standard Act of 1938, which established child labor laws, includes an exemption for agriculture allowing children under 16 to work on farms and ranches. However, a proposal from the DOL seeks to remove that exemption.

The proposal would place new limits on “hired farm workers” under the age of 16, and in some cases 18, restricting their ability to work on horse farms, ranches and auctions. Specifically, the rule would prohibit workers under the age of 18 from working in feedlots, or auction barns, and would also not allow workers under 16 from herding livestock on horseback, on foot or from a motorized vehicle.

Basically, the DOL believes that it’s too dangerous for anyone under 16 to work around livestock. There is an exemption if the teenagers are working on farms or ranches owned by their parents, however farms or ranches that are owned as partnerships with other family members are not exempt.

If this rule becomes law, no longer will ranch kids get to go brandin’ with their parents. Today’s youth won’t be allowed to get a job cleaning horse stalls, feeding cattle, or hauling hay. They won’t be given the opportunity to learn alongside an experienced mentor and develop a love and passion for animal agriculture while developing a strong work ethic.

Joe Parker, Jr., president of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association said this in his comments submitted to the DOL: “Our youth are a key component to ensure the future of agriculture remains strong and prosperous, and we must continue to afford them the opportunity to be involved at a young age. There is no measure to the valuable experiences and extraordinary work ethic young people gain through working in the cattle industry.”

Initally, public comment was being accepted through November 1, however ag organizations have requested a 60-day extension to the comment period.

“If we had not been present to observe the problem, an entire calf crop for that breeding pasture could have been in jeopardy.”-Glenn SelkOklahoma State University Emeritus Extension Animal Scientist

The fall breeding season is about to begin. Herds that aim for a September 1 first calving date will turn bulls with the cows in the latter part of November. Bulls that have been recently added to the bull battery and bulls that have not been used since last year should pass a breeding soundness exam before the breeding season begins. Any newly purchased bull that has been previously exposed to cows should also have passed a test for the venereal disease “trichomoniasis”. Reports from the Oklahoma state veterinarian indicate that 2.5% of bulls routinely tested have been found to be positive for this disease. Visit with your veterinarian soon about breeding soundness exams and “trich” tests to avoid reproductive problems next year and beyond.

A good manager keeps an eye on his bulls during the breeding season to make sure they are getting the cows bred. Occasionally a bull that has passed a breeding soundness exam may have difficulty serving cows in heat, especially after heavy service.

Continue reading the full article to find out how to make the most of your breeding season.